3-9/40 Scope

C

Canadan

Member
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Location
Niagara Region, ON
New to shooting. Is this really good enough for 200 yards target shooting like my limited google research would suggest? I've been shooting at 50 and can't imagine how this would be sufficient. Any comments are appreciated!
 
The number that gets my attention these days is not the magnification (the 'three to nine' expression), but the objective lens (the 'by forty' number). The more light coming in the front the brighter and more clear the image seen in the back end.
 
maple_leaf_eh said:
The number that gets my attention these days is not the magnification (the 'three to nine' expression), but the objective lens (the 'by forty' number). The more light coming in the front the brighter and more clear the image seen in the back end.
Click to expand...

Not always true, I've seen some cheap scopes (Simmons, Tasco) with a 50 not transmit as much light as a 32 or 36 (Leupold, Swarovski)
 
Canadan said:
How tight are groupings at this range with this optic?
Click to expand...

Old guy with lots of guns in different cals . most wear Bushnells . that being said from a bench with my 270 bolt (hand loads) I can do sub 1" all day long . With my 308 hunting rig using factory ammo am happy with 2/3 " groupings . You have to remember that a lot of tight grouping also depends on the platform (gun) your using . You can have the best scope in the world and if your using a crappy gun , barn doors are hard to hit !
 
Canadan said:
New to shooting. Is this really good enough for 200 yards target shooting like my limited google research would suggest? I've been shooting at 50 and can't imagine how this would be sufficient. Any comments are appreciated!
Click to expand...

There is a bit to unpack with the question Canadan. In my opinion=no. I have maybe 1 scope in a 3-9, and it's on a gun that hasn't been used for target shooting. I shoot rimfire (22LR) at either 50 or 75 yards and use either a 12X or 14X at the top end. For centerfire, 100+ yards and those wear either 18X or 20X at the top end. In my case, I'm wanting to see the bullet holes on paper if possible which means more magnification, and decent glass.

If target shooting mean hitting a steel plate? 3-9X (with good glass) ought to be enough if you can see the target itself. As you can see, different purposes.

I can think of a dozen other things to add, but it's key to remember that a "good" quality 3-9X would still be a better choice than a poor quality 6-24X for instance. There are plenty of both out there, don't be tempted by super cheap scopes. They're bound to let you down eventually, and sometimes do right out of the gate.

I'm no expert on scopes, but I can say with some confidence that in terms of light transmission, the tube diameter might have more of an impact on that than the obj diameter. That said, depending on the rifle, a 30mm-tubed scope may look too massive. I don't (as a rule) like them for that reason, but have a couple because of the other features I wanted for their respective applications.

SO..if you're determined to use a 3-9X, get the best one you can afford. If you want specific suggestions about models, post in the Optics sub-forum and be sure to add the application (target/paper or steel?) the distance, the caliber, and your budget. I'm sure you'll get some good answers. I'll add one more thing-you never regret the expense of a good scope if you spend allot of time behind your rifle. Took me over a decade to really embrace that, as scopes are far less exciting than guns..and seem to increase in cost year-to-year.
 
.22LRGUY said:
There is a bit to unpack with the question Canadan. In my opinion=no. I have maybe 1 scope in a 3-9, and it's on a gun that hasn't been used for target shooting. I shoot rimfire (22LR) at either 50 or 75 yards and use either a 12X or 14X at the top end. For centerfire, 100+ yards and those wear either 18X or 20X at the top end. In my case, I'm wanting to see the bullet holes on paper if possible which means more magnification, and decent glass.

If target shooting mean hitting a steel plate? 3-9X (with good glass) ought to be enough if you can see the target itself. As you can see, different purposes.

I can think of a dozen other things to add, but it's key to remember that a "good" quality 3-9X would still be a better choice than a poor quality 6-24X for instance. There are plenty of both out there, don't be tempted by super cheap scopes. They're bound to let you down eventually, and sometimes do right out of the gate.

I'm no expert on scopes, but I can say with some confidence that in terms of light transmission, the tube diameter might have more of an impact on that than the obj diameter. That said, depending on the rifle, a 30mm-tubed scope may look too massive. I don't (as a rule) like them for that reason, but have a couple because of the other features I wanted for their respective applications.

SO..if you're determined to use a 3-9X, get the best one you can afford. If you want specific suggestions about models, post in the Optics sub-forum and be sure to add the application (target/paper or steel?) the distance, the caliber, and your budget. I'm sure you'll get some good answers. I'll add one more thing-you never regret the expense of a good scope if you spend allot of time behind your rifle. Took me over a decade to really embrace that, as scopes are far less exciting than guns..and seem to increase in cost year-to-year.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the input. Bullet holes on paper is what I would like to see at these distances.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom